Thursday, October 19, 2017

The Middle Tennessee Chapter of Sisters in Crime booth at the 29th Annual Southern Festival of Books - Nashville

by Linda Thorne

Me, author Robert Mangeot Sisters in Crime President, and author Beth (Jaden) Terrell ex-president of our local chapter of Sisters in Crime.

This is where I hung out on the one day I went to this event this year, Saturday October 14th. New job, so I had to miss Friday and then on Sunday I was just too beat. Next year I'll be there all three days and, if I can get my current work-in-progress published by then, I'll be on one of their author panels again like the past two years.I've belonged to this local chapter of Sister's in Crime (and we have misters too) right after moving to the area. We arrived late in 2007 and I joined in 2008. This is a spectacular group of readers and writers. I've watched some of the author members from the early years go from debut authors to bestselling authors. Lots of local support for authors here in the Nashville area. We have members who are readers, wannabe authors, and authors. We meet once a month for about an hour and then offer field trips and extra-curricula activities for those interested.

Here are more pictures of this national festival of books held right here in my home town:

A view inside our booth and then another to the neighboring tent across from us. Then below a walk around the premises and a visit to the booth for the Nashville Writers Meetup Group I also belong to, with Alan Lewis manning the booth.

Next year will be the 30th annual Southern Festival of Books. I may not be talking about the Sisters in Crime booth then, but I will have a report on the 30th anniversary of the Southern Festival of Books.

Looks like you had some good weather for the event. I went to Printers Row a while back, and one day we had some great storms, another time it was very hot. I also had a booth a few times at our 4th of July festival but most people weren't there to browse at books. I've taken most of my marketing to the Internet now, where I can be comfortable and only have to worry if the power goes out for people. Still, it's a lot of fun to meet readers in person, and I do miss that since I changed over to all e-books.

I've been to our festival in rain, high winds that kept us trying to hold the tents, too hot, and then perfect weather. It is not easy to sell books at these events since everyone is trying to. There are so many books for sale and people can only afford and also read just so many. It is a way to put yourself out there though, and believe me, I've been there when something great has happened to a few authors. It's few and far between, but I was there when an author friend was approached by a talent scout (a video editor) from California and ended up optioning movie rights for his debut novel. This was his first novel! The option alone brings in money and he got it. There will be more if it ever comes to fruition.

I'm glad you enjoyed your time at the festival, Linda. I went to the Sisters in Crime breakfast at Bouchercon and came away with a very strong desire to get more involved in a local chapter. The trouble is that the local chapter is pretty far away. Your post has re-inspired me to see about joining that chapter. Thanks!

Thank you, Maggie and Amy for stopping by. I work in downtown Nashville and my meetings are also in the downtown area once a month at 6 p.m. It's easy to go straight there after work. Amy, I'm not sure I'd go if I were in your situation with not having a local chapter within a reasonable distance.